See the ToolsI use every day

Every week, I maintain THE TEMPLATE, an award-winningWinner of the 2015 Plank Center Award (public relations org.) for commitment to mentorship. blog that's been viewed more than 1.5 million times by people all over the world. In every column, I provide step-by-step instruction to help you become a stronger communicator. Like I always say, "Write well, open doors!"

– CONCEDE the spotlight, don’t hog it

Want to be seen as a rising star? Put the limelight on someone else. Congratulate others on a job well done, and share their work. I like how Gen Y expert Lindsey Pollak curates articles from authors she respects.

– LOSE the ego, don’t revel in it

At a job interview, take a keen interest in the employer’s background and company’s challenges. At a networking event, notice how the sharpest people use these six words to make others feel like a million bucks.

– OFFER your time, don’t stockpile it

Last summer, a junior at my alma mater wrote and asked if she could intern with News To Live By to gain online experience.

For several weeks, she pitched in, learned critical work skills (like these) and enhanced her resume. She gave so she got. That’s how it works.

– REVERE your audience, don’t abuse it

Penelope Trunk, one of the most popular career bloggers, gives her crowd what they want: honest, actionable advice on life and work.

Whether you write a job application or pitch a new client, it’s always about what the audience needs. The more you help others find solutions to their problems, the more they will listen. #youmattermost

– QUIT the rat race, don’t run in it

Let everyone else brag and be their own PR machines. The “Bad Tippers”? The Millennials all about “ME”?

They’re a dime a dozen.

The people who give implicitly? Those are the ones who come by success naturally.

Heed that truth in the work world — and the next time the waiter brings the bill 🙂